1. education
2. school

GLAPTHORN PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Clerk: Alan Tresadern 30 Lytham Park, Oundle PE8 4FB
Telephone: 01832 275281
Email: parish.clerk@glapthorn.org.uk
___________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Glapthorn Annual Parish Meeting held at the Village Hall, Main
Street on Thursday 9 April 2015 at 7.30 pm
Present: Cllr. Ian Davidson (Chairman) and 25 members of the public
Also in attendance: Alan Tresadern (Parish Clerk); County Councillor Heather Smith
(NCC Oundle Ward); Sharn Mathews and Lucy Foster (Officers - East Northants
Council); Inspector Julie Mead and PCSO Nadia Norman (Northants Police)
Apologies: District Councillor Jeremy Taylor (Prebendal Ward); Nick Knowles (Village
Hall Committee); Wendy Knowles (WI President); Jeff Knowles (Neighbourhood
Watch co-ordinator) and Katherine Towns (Head Teacher Glapthorn School).
1.
The Chairman welcomed all present and introduced the guests.
2.
County Councillor’s report:
Councillor Heather Smith presented a report on behalf of Northamptonshire
County Council.
Councillor Smith focused on two topics: the planned changes to the education
system in Northamptonshire; and the Women’s Cycle Tour 2015.
Cllr. Smith spoke favourably about how the Glapthorn School was embracing the
changes. Cllr. Smith commented on plans for the disposal of land, currently
occupied by the Oundle Middle School, stating that after the change to Primary
School status, there will not be a requirement for such a large site. As part of the
property lies within the parish of Glapthorn it is of interest to the village, but Cllr.
Smith stated the land is unlikely to be sold for at least two years, and as yet there
has been no application for outline planning permission.
Cllr. Smith advised that the timescale for the changes to Prince William School
will be phased over a two to three year period, with temporary accommodation
being used in the short-term.
Mrs Ann Williams expressed concerns about the parking situation by Glapthorn
School. (Clerk’s note: I will put this matter to the Parish Council).
For the second time, the Women’s Cycle Tour will be coming to
Northamptonshire with Stage 3 on Friday 19th June starting at 10.00 am in
Oundle and passing through Glapthorn, along Main Street, before turning left to
Benefield. Cllr. Smith said, the Northamptonshire County Council will work with
the Glapthorn School to ensure the children are involved, but it is up to the
‘parish’ to engage with the event as it feels appropriate.
There seemed to be general enthusiasm within the meeting for this occasion. It
was noted that the matter will be on the agenda for the Parish Council’s next
meeting.
3.
District Councillors report:
In the absence of District Councillor Taylor, Sharn Mathews (Executive Director
& Monitoring Officer –East Northamptonshire Council) and her colleague Lucy
Foster presented a report on behalf of ENC.
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The report focused on two topics: the East Northamptonshire Greenway project
and the Destination Nene Valley.
The Greenway will make attractive and safer walking and cycling routes available
in the heart of the Nene Valley. It is being developed in phases, some of which
are already completed and others will follow within the next few years.
The Greenway will help connect East Northamptonshire’s communities to a
central route that will run from Wellingborough Railway Station in the south and
to Peterborough railway station in the north and vice-versa.
It will link open spaces together with opportunities for informal recreation and
alternative means of transport to services and facilities. The project will also
provide safe routes for young people who walk and cycle to school.
Destination Nene Valley will promote the Nene Valley as a competitive,
sustainable destination, offering world class wildlife to a mixture of local, national
and international audiences. Its focus is on creating an enterprising approach to
the rural economy; to attract visitors and spend from local, national and
international markets, as well as encouraging local communities to lead healthier
outdoor lifestyles and promote green transport.
4.
Police report:
Inspector Julie Mead presented a report on behalf of the Northamptonshire
Police.
The presentation focused on new initiatives in Policing with a lower budget!
Northamptonshire Police launched its Futures Programme last year which will
focus on two distinct areas of the county and see intensive work carried out to
tackle crime, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The project will focus on Oundle and its surrounding villages and the All Saints
area of Kettering.It will see a new style of policing developed, with extensive
community engagement used to identify people’s concerns and priorities for their
area.
With work from Special Constables, volunteers and organisations such as local
councils and health bodies, the police will also work to improve peoples’ feeling
of safety and satisfaction with their area.
Parish Constables will be introduced in some areas to work directly with their
own community.
The Police want more people to join Neighbourhood Watch and for Streetwatch
to be a real focus for people’s attention so the public can be a real part of the
policing solution.
5. Annual report of the Parish Council:
The Chairman presented the annual report from the Parish Council.
Headlines included: Nene Valley News has been delivered around the village
now for several months, with the delivery costs funded by the Parish Council. It is
assumed that people will want this to continue.
The southern parish boundary, where it borders Oundle town, has been shown to
be incorrectly drawn on some official documents. This came to light in
consequence of a planning application. The matter is under review by ENC.
The cost of electricity for the street lighting, paid from the parish precept, will be
increased by nearly 50% as of 1 May 2015, however, the current ‘mercury’ street
lamps are no longer manufactured and are being phased out and the Parish
Council plans to replace all the village street lights with low energy LED lamps.
This will substantially reduce running costs.
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In his last report as Chairman of the Parish Council, Ian Davidson thanked his
colleagues for their support and wished the next Parish Council every success.
To read the report in full please visit the village website www.glapthorn.org.uk
6.
The meeting received reports from the following organisations:
6.1. Glapthorn Allotment Gardener’s Association - presented by Heather Ball.
6.2. Glapthorn School - submitted by Head Teacher Katherine Towns.
6.3. WI - presented by Heather Ball on behalf of Wendy Knowles.
6.4. Neighbourhood Watch - none
6.5. Royal Oak Club - presented by Bob Brewer
6.6. Southwick & Glapthorn Show – presented by Ursula Wide
6.7. St Leonard’s Church – presented by Ursula Wide
6.8. Village Hall – submitted by Nick Knowles.
To read the reports in full please visit the village website www.glapthorn.org.uk
7.
New Parish Noticeboard:
The Clerk reported that a new Village Notice Board will be located outside the
Village Hall. It will be a shared facility between the Village Hall and the Parish
Council. The Parish Council secured funding with an Awards-for-all Lottery
Grant. The final design, manufactured of man-made-materials allowing easy
maintenance and long life, will have four bays. One will be for the sole use of the
Village Hall and its associate users; one for general public use; and others for the
Parish Council. The installation is likely to be late May or early June.
8.
Adopt a Telephone Kiosk:
The telephone kiosk, located at Brookside, is available to the Parish Council to
purchase for £1. The questions of, “Do we want it?” and “What do we do with it?”
were aired. The consensus of the meeting was, the Parish Council should
purchase the telephone kiosk and open discussions with the Village Hall
committee to see if it will be viable to relocate the kiosk at the Village Hall.
Several suggestions and ideas were loosely considered, including a library, a
home for a defibrillator, a plant display and an art gallery.
9.
Women’s Cycle Tour coming to Glapthorn
This was covered at item 2.
10. Any Other Business
Bob Brewer said the Village Hall have looked into the purchase of a defibrillator
but found them to be very costly at c. £2,500. It was noted that Fotheringhay
have one (in a telephone kiosk). The Clerk said he would see if there are any
funding opportunities available.
Ann Williams asked for a dog-litter bin to be installed by the footpath MZ6. (This
runs from the Village Hall and heads north). Ann Williams also expressed
concern about the untidy look of the brook as it passes under the bridge on Main
Street by Brookside and asked if anything could be done to clean it up. The
Chairman advised Mrs Williams to contact the Parish council about both matters.
However, the Clerk will put both items on the agenda for the Parish Council to
consider.
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Sally Nolan expressed disappointment that fellow parishioners were being
inconsiderate by having bonfires at in appropriate times. I.e. in the middle of the
day when she had washing hanging out!
Brian Scott suggested the Village Hall bring out their bunting for village use to
celebrate the Women’s Cycle Tour.
Geoff Delany asked about the procedures adopted by the Parish Council when
reviewing planning applications. The Chairman explained the current process
and advised that recently there has been a significant increase in planning
applications; therefore the procedure was under review by the Parish Council.
Malcolm Moss asked if a Village Design Statement could earmark land for
development. The Clerk said this was possible.
Brian Scott, in the light (no pun intended) of the increase in energy costs,
questioned whether the village needs to retain its street lights!
Malcolm Moss asked why there were no Parish Council accounts available at the
meeting. The Chairman pointed out that this was not a Parish Council meeting;
however the accounts will be available at the Annual Parish Council meeting on
the 21st May.
There was no further business and the Chairman closed the Meeting at 9.40 pm.
Signed………………………………………
(Chairman)
Date………………
Reports/……
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REPORTS
Parish Council
Elections are scheduled to take place for the new Parish Council on 7 May 2015.
Nominations closed today at 4 p.m. Three councillors, including the chairman are not
standing for re-election. There are currently known to be seven candidates, the
number required to constitute a full Council and as things stand they can be elected
unopposed. Any more candidates and there will need to be a formal election.
There are major changes taking place in the way the Northamptonshire police force
operates, driven mainly by cuts in funding. These include the recruiting of more Parish
Special Constables and other volunteers to take part in local initiatives such as
Neighbourhood Watch. Oundle has so far proved to be fertile ground with as many as
300 people coming forward and early operational results are extremely positive. The
aim is to build on this by extending the message to the villages. Leaflets specially
designed for Glapthorn have been produced and information is obtainable from the
Parish Clerk, on the notice board and from the police and council websites.
For the second year running, a stage of the professional women’s international cycle
race will start from Oundle - on 19 June 2015. The longest (140km) stage will pass
down Main Street, Glapthorn on its way to Kettering.
Nene Valley News has been delivered round the village now for several months, the
delivery costs funded by the Parish Council. It is assumed that people will want this to
continue.
ENC has for some time been working on dedicated cycle and walking routes along the
Nene Valley that will eventually link Wellingborough to Peterborough (The Greenway).
This will take some years to complete due mainly to access problems over private
property. Work is currently concentrating on the Oundle section. There is a wealth of
information on the ENC website or in information literature available from the council
offices.
Funding has now been obtained for the enlarged village notice board in front of the
village hall, which will be put up in early summer 2015. This is a joint venture between
the Parish Council and the Village Hall committee. There will be a section reserved for
use by parishioners for posting flyers and personal items.
The southern parish boundary where it borders Oundle town has been shown to be
incorrectly drawn on some official documents. This came to light in consequence of a
planning application for six new residential dwellings on land thought to be in Oundle
but in fact in Glapthorn. The matter is under review by ENC. Any financial
consequences such as precept payments should in future be paid to Glapthorn. The
application itself has been accepted by the Parish Council subject to some technical
clarification. The application and its progress can be followed on the ENC website –
as can information on all planning matters.
The cost of electricity for the street lighting, paid from the parish precept, will be
increased by nearly 50% as of 1 May 2015. This is the first increase for seven years,
but at £180 per annum is significant. Research in the market for a lower price has not
been successful. However, the current ‘mercury’ street lamps are no longer
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manufactured and are being phased out. The Parish Council plans and has already
gone some way towards funding the replacement of all the village street lights with low
energy LED lamps, provisionally scheduled for 2018/19. This will substantially reduce
running costs (both supply and maintenance) and an already attractive return on the
capital costs will become even better when set against the increased charges.
The annual litter pick takes place on 10-12 April 2015. Volunteers are most welcome.
Equipment will be available from Leverton by tomorrow at the latest.
There was a zero response to a recent circular asking for volunteers to prepare a
Design Statement which would record the wishes of the parishioners on the future
development of the village. The proposal, which came through ENC, is part of a
nationwide initiative to give people a say in how their local communities should
develop. The lack of village interest resulted in the matter being dropped. However,
there is still pressure from high places for these statements to be produced. A Design
Statement comes in useful when considering contentious planning applications, as
has been sometimes been the case recently in Glapthorn. Anyone with the time and
motivation to set up and lead a working party to produce such a document should
contact the Parish Clerk.
There are several important initiatives being promoted at national, county and district
level which have direct relevance to local communities (e.g. the local change from
three to two tier education). The Parish Council will be much better equipped to argue
the views of the parishioners if there is an active dialogue with the community. A lot of
work has gone in to making the Parish Council not only fit for purpose, and seen to be
fit for purpose. It is to be hoped that the new notice board will contribute to this.
Thanks to the efforts of the Parish Clerk, information on parish affairs can also be
obtained from the Village website and the Parish Council’s Facebook page.
Parishioners are encouraged to use these outlets to keep themselves informed and
then bring matters which concern them to the Council for debate. There is a period set
aside at the start of each Council meeting as a public forum for this purpose.
This is my last report as Chairman of the Parish Council and I would like to take the
opportunity to thank my colleagues for their support and to wish the next Parish
Council every success.
Ian Davidson - 2 April 2015
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Glapthorn Allotments and Gardeners Association
Once again we have had a very successful year on the allotments with all plots taken.
The boundary hedges are now in good order thanks to our volunteers and the plots
have been topped with chippings generously donated by a GAGA supporter.
Deer were not seen on the allotments this winter although as it was such a mild winter
we did not expect that deer would need to search too hard for food. We are however
holding on to some money in case we do need to have a deer fence in place. GAGA
received a generous donation from The Royal Oak Club for which we are very grateful
– we may need to use this for any future deer fencing.
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Our accounts have been professionally audited again by Bulley Davey on a charitable
basis for which we are very grateful.
The grass is growing well and continues to be cut on a rota basis by a team of
volunteers using the lawn mower donated, on permanent loan, by a plotholder.
The compost bins on site are being well used and the manure supplied by Chris
Crosby continues to be used on the plots. Again our annual water costs have been
low thanks to the water harvested from the roof of the communal shed.
The committee decided against the purchase of a rotavator for plotholders as
plotholders have differing requirements – it was felt that should anyone wish to
rotavate their plot they could make their own arrangements.
We have negotiated a change in the classes open with the committee of the
Southwick and Glapthorn Show. There will now be classes aimed particularly at
members of GAGA.
In summary, GAGA continues to be a great success with plotholders working well
together.
Heather Ball
Secretary of Glapthorn Allotment Gardeners’ Association
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Glapthorn C.E. Lower School
Glapthorn C.E. Lower School is looking forward to becoming a primary school, taking
Year Five children from September 2015 and becoming a complete primary school in
September 2016. The school will have a temporary classroom in the playground for
the next academic year whilst building work is completed on an extension onto the hall
incorporating a new classroom and group room. The building work is due to begin in
January 2016 and to be completed by July 2016. A new teacher, who is a Sports
Specialist, has been appointed to begin in September 2015 and we are excited about
the opportunities that will come from being a primary including closer cluster working,
reducing transition issues for children and being able to nurture and support our pupils
to become confident, independent learners to move onto their secondary school. The
school, once again, is expecting to be over- subscribed for September 2015 entry.
It was all change for us back in September 2014 with the arrival of two new but very
experienced teachers and a significant change in our approach to learning throughout
the school. The children are working on a very creative curriculum now giving lots of
opportunities for children to use and apply basic skills in real life contexts. The
progress of the children, particularly the older children, has been outstanding and we
are confident this approach will support our children as they move through Years Five
and Six to reach high levels in reading, writing and maths whilst ensuring they remain
enthusiastic about their learning. In the Spring Term, Class One learnt about their
favourite stories, including planting beans for the allotment (Jack and the Beanstalk)
and going up to Short Wood to find a gruffalo! Class Two studied London and had a
brilliant trip there in March. Class Three studied Invaders and Settlers including a joint
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day’s workshop with Nassington School on the Romans, a trip to Peterborough
Museum and culminating in a residential trip with Nassington School to York in May.
They are planning an Invaders and Settlers afternoon for their families and the local
community in the week beginning 18th May to share some of the things they have
learnt so look out for more information shortly!
The school over the last year has been as busy as ever with church services in
Glapthorn, Southwick and Oundle, sports events, trips, visitors and exciting curriculum
events. Last May, we had our Diocesan inspection and were delighted to be judged
good with outstanding features and that the ‘capacity for driving up improvement is
very strong’ and ‘learners’ attitudes and behaviour are outstanding.’ The school
website is kept updated, including a copy of the inspection report, so please have a
look at what we have been up at www.glapthornschool.ik.org
Katherine Towns
March 2015
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Neighbourhood Watch
None
Royal Oak Club
2014 was yet another good year for The Royal Oak Club. It opened on most Fridays
during the past year, with a few exceptions; attendances throughout the year were
generally in the 20’s or 30’s each week, with occasionally reaching 60 or more.
Unfortunately we did not get many new members. We currently have 143 adult
members and 23 juniors.
Our kitchen volunteers continue to serve up delicious food, using a wide variety of
recipes, usually for only £5 per head including pudding. These gastronomic delights
are very much appreciated by members and guests alike.
In the summer we held weekly barbecues which gave our kitchen helpers a well
earned rest.
Committee members continue to man the bar on a rota basis so they all have a turn,
sometimes with additional volunteer assistance. We are grateful to Marcus for
agreeing to be on the bar rota even though he is not a committee member. We have
had real ale from Nene Valley Brewery on occasions. However without a cellar we
have difficulty keeping it in good condition and therefore we mainly use keg ale.
At our last AGM Allen Brown was elected as a full member of the committee. The rest
of the committee remained unchanged.
We had several events and activities during the year:
TABLE TENNIS
PUB GAMES
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QUIZZES
BINGO
BURNS NIGHT – with a superb three course supper, the wee piper from
Oundle School, poetry, and whiskies
PANCAKE RACING
A SOUTH AFRICAN EVENING – with Karoo Curry, and South African wine and
whiskey tasting
ST PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL – with traditional Irish Fare and Irish Whiskey
PAELLA – by a chef from Polebrook
WE BBQ FOR YOU - with a special invitation to newcomers and non members,
and games for children
BRING YOUR OWN BBQS
GLAPTHORN CONKER CHAMPIONSHIP
BEER MAT-FLICKING CHAMPIONSHIP
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
However by far the most memorable event was the HALLOWEEN EVENING. The
ghost walk was really entertaining and factually correct in every detail. A BIG THANK
YOU to John Coleman for all his research and wonderful delivery. The slaughter
house with its real body parts was spine chilling. The wander in the haunted woods
was scary thanks to the Young Farmers, and Andrew’s props. And the meal was
delicious. It was a brilliant evening and I would like to thank Alison for developing the
idea and to everyone who made it happen. How can we follow that when we next
want a really special occasion?
Finally I record my personal thanks to:
Royal Oak Club Committee – for their hard work.
Glapthorn Village Hall Committee – who we rely upon for our premises.
Tina Stone – for keeping the place nice and clean.
Organisers – who arrange special events.
Bar Helpers – for pulling pints.
Kitchen Helpers – for cooking and serving lovely food.
Our Posties - who deliver the flyers.
And lastly, but not least, those who help set up the tables and Chairs and put them
away again but above all, you the participants – for making it all worthwhile.
All the hard work and support which makes our club successful is much appreciated
by me and by many villagers who enjoy our social gatherings.
Bob Brewer
***********
Southwick and Glapthorn Village Show
The 51st Southwick and Glapthorn Flower Show was held in the church in Glapthorn
on 19th July 2014. It was a success and much enjoyed by all who attended. This
year’s show will be held on Saturday 4th July in the Village Hall in Southwick and the
committee cordially invite everyone in Glapthorn to join in. The show schedules will be
out in the next month or so, and they are delivered to every house in the village. This
year’s innovation is that there are now two separate classes for those who work on the
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allotments in Glapthorn, one for adults and one for children, with a cup each kindly
provided by GAGA.
Ursula Wide
************
St Leonard’s Church
2014 has been a red-letter year for the church in Glapthorn, for it saw the completion
of the new facilities and the re-ordering of church furniture, so that the internal space is
now both more welcoming and flexible. The completion of the disabled lavatory and
kitchen servery has meant that we can put on community events in the church, and
also make things more comfortable and adaptable for our congregations, both those
who worship every Sunday and those who visit for weddings, baptisms and funerals.
We are grateful to all the funders who have helped us to achieve so much.
As a result of our improvements, this year the church has hosted the Southwick and
Glapthorn Flower Show, a very successful concert in December given by the Oriana
Choir, and also a successful Christmas bazaar, and we look forward to future events
this year, including the chiming the bells, from the new raised ringing floor in the tower,
on the anniversary of Victory in Europe day on 9th May.
We are continuing our maintenance programme for the church. Our priority this year is
work on the south aisle roof, and in the longer term we are looking to improve the
lighting and the sound system.
We continue to hold services weekly, including ones with participation by the children
of Glapthorn School. The clergy in the Benefice of Oundle, with Glapthorn and
Benefield, is now up to full strength, thanks to the very recent appointment of an
Associate Vicar, the Reverend Jema Ball. The Glapthorn congregation numbers are
the largest, in percentage terms, of any church in the Deanery of 27 churches, and
they are rising slowly. But always there is much more to do, especially on the pastoral
side, so we can never be complacent. If you’ve not yet joined us on Sunday at 9.15,
please do come along one day. You will be assured of a very warm welcome, and you
can participate as little or as much as you like.
Ursula Wide
************
Village Hall
The village hall committee has had another successful year with a number of projects
been completed, such as the New village hall sign, the lighting over the sign to
illuminate it and provide extra lighting for the parking bays; the installation of the solar
panels which has started generating a return and providing the village hall with its
Green Credentials; the replacement of the external lights at the door entrances; and
the additional cupboard in the store room, to just mention a few of the improvements.
We have also had some exciting fund raising events such as the Safari Supper, and
the Glapthorn village version of ‘Countdown’, both very successful and enjoyed by all.
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In partnership with the Parish Council the Village Hall has agreed the replacement of a
notice board with a shared version. We believe this will enhance the look of the hall as
well has providing additional notice space. We thank the Parish Council for organizing
the funding.
The village hall committee would like to thank the Royal Oak Club and all other hirers
for the ongoing use of the hall, and we look forward to another successful year.
Last, but not least, I would like to thank the committee members for all their hard work
and commitment for the last year.
Nick Knowles
************
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